The Love of money
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)
Greed is a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5) because it replaces God with a lust for material things, leaving us empty and restless. When dissatisfaction with God’s provision dominates our hearts, especially in the context of money, it brings sorrow rather than peace. Remember, no one wakes up one day and says I’m going to quit following Jesus. They slowly drift away. I have said this before, but I love how C.S. Lewis says it. Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. I often ask a simple but probing question: God, do I want You more than _______? I fill in the blank with whatever is on my mind, sometimes my home, job or a hobby, and when I can’t quickly answer, I know I need to ask God to help me desire Him more.
Paul teaches us the antidote to greed in Philippians 4:11-13: contentment. Whether in abundance or need, Paul trusted God’s provision and found satisfaction in Christ, not in circumstances. Paul’s heart was fixed on eternal treasures, not temporary wealth, allowing him to live a godly life. His secret? Contentment and satisfaction in God’s provision gave him peace and freedom. Remember, He is always good and has the best plans for His children. Money will come and go, but your soul will live forever. Invest in what matters most today. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
APPLICATION: The more you look at Jesus each day, the more He transforms your heart.
PRAYER: Spend a moment asking yourself if God is the top priority in your life. With the Spirit ask, God, do I want You more than _____? Whatever He reveals, ask Him to help you long for Him more than anything in this world. Thank God for His faithfulness.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?